Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - June 3, 2011

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School Board executive session and meeting Tuesday, June 7
- Tuesday, June 7
- 5 p.m. (executive session - school board only)
- 5:30 p.m. (Graduates of Distinction - public meeting)
- 6:30 p.m. (regularly scheduled school board meeting - public meeting)
- District Office Board Room (364 S. Park St.)

District to honor Graduates of Distinction recipients Tuesday, June 7
Walla Walla Public Schools names this year’s honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. Honorees are: the late Edward Aliverti, Class of 1950; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel, Class of 1955; Larry B. Siegel, Class of 1968; and Drew M. Bledsoe, Class of 1990. Note: Due to scheduling conflicts, Drew Bledsoe is unable to participate this year and will be honored next June with our 2012 Graduates of Distinction.

These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers and continue to bring honor to the district. Celebrate alongside these distinguished alumni at a reception in their honor on Tuesday, June 7. Listen to their stories and hear who helped shape their lives during their school years.

RECEPTION DETAILS
Tuesday, June 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Walla Walla School District Board Room

- Edward Aliverti - The late Edward Aliverti was Valedictorian for his 1950 graduating class at Walla Walla High School. His nominators were Betty Landoni Scoralle and Don Locati. His inspirational staff members, according to his nominators, were Wa-Hi Principal Robert Klavano and Band Director Russell Larsen.

- Robert D. Beckel - His nominator was Les Johnson. His most inspirational staff member was Major Charles Flanagan Jr., his high school ROTC instructor.

- Larry B. Siegel is a 1968 graduate of Walla Walla High School. His nominator was Jim McCarthy. His inspirational staff member was Alvis East, his 5th and 6th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.


Walla Walla High School Commencement - Friday, June 3
- 7 p.m.
- Walla Walla School Commons area

Commencement Program
• PRESENTATION OF COLORS - ROTC Color Guard
• NATIONAL ANTHEM - Walla Walla High School Band (Andrew Ueckert, Conductor)
• PROCESSIONAL - Elgar "Pomp and Circumstance" (Walla Walla High School Band)
• WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS - Peter L. Peterson - Principal
• MUSICAL SELECTIONS
- Walla Walla High School Band “Sing, Sing, Sing" - Andrew Ueckert, Conductor
- “In my Life” - Senior Choir Members (Norb Rossi, Director & Senior Sign Language Students)
• INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKERS - Peter L. Peterson - Principal
• STUDENT COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: "Many Opportunities, One Bright Future"
• Presented by 2011 Valedictorians: Janella Bermudez, Andrew Christina and Olivia Welker
• 2011 Salutatorians: Nicholas Bushman and Brett Christina
• PRESENTATION OF CANE: Alex Ceron and Jennifer Van Dyk
• GRADUATES OF DISTINCTION PRESENTATION - ASB Officers (Alex Ceron, Marissa Castillo, Nicole Aichele, Kayla Leinweber)
• PRESENTATION OF CLASS OF 2011 - Peter L. Peterson - Principal, Robert Allen, Megan Sumerlin, Grace Johnson, Tori Jones, Senior Class Officers)
• PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS - Max Carrera, Vice President, Board of Directors and Mick Miller, Superintendent of Schools


Walla Walla High School Commencement to be broadcast live on the internet
Walla Walla High School’s Commencement, scheduled for Friday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at Walla Walla High School, will be broadcast live on the internet via a video stream. The live video stream will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. and continue until the event concludes.

Watch live at:
- www.wwps.org
- www.wahibluedevils.org

To watch the live video stream on the website, a password is required. The password is required to restrict use to local interest.

Video Stream Password (required to view video):
- goblue

Walla Walla High School and Walla Walla Public Schools took the initiative to coordinate the project after hearing of a story from a family who could not attend due to a medical condition. District and school officials soon learned others could benefit from a live video stream of the event.

“We heard a student talking about their parent not being able to come to graduation because they were in the hospital,” said Walla Walla High School Technology Teacher Dennis DeBroeck, video stream project coordinator. “As we started working on this more, students heard about it and showed interest. Many had similar situations or others who were important in their lives that could not make it to graduation.”

All web browsers tested, and most smart phones, should be able to support viewing the video stream, according to DeBroeck. The production will feature a three camera set-up to offer various views and cut away opportunities. Browsers and phones need to support Flash.

“This came about as a team effort to use current classroom technology to make this happen,” DeBroeck said. “It took quick action from all levels and departments to put this into play so quickly. We hope the extra effort will benefit our community and allow friends to ‘virtually’ attend this important event in our graduates’ lives if they cannot come in person.”

Approximately 450 graduates are expected to participate in Commencement ceremonies. The event is located near the Commons area on the grounds of Walla Walla High School.


Last day of school - Thursday, June 9
Students at all grade levels will be dismissed early on the last day of school, Thursday, June 9. Check with school secretaries regarding summer programs. The first day of school for the 2011-12 school year is Tuesday, August 23. Thanks for a great school year! Have a safe and fun summer break.

Students praise staff during Lincoln High School commencement ceremony
Thursday evening 40 Lincoln High School seniors participated in commencement ceremonies at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds Community Building. Principal Jim Sporleder said he is proud of the students and their accomplishments. Staff introduced students one-by-one and shared their success stories. Several students spoke about how Lincoln has family culture and how staff will do whatever it takes for the students to be successful. Several hundred people packed the room to honor the graduates.

Edison fourth grade students surprise school with “flash-mob” dance
The Edison 4th grade students are studying recorders with teacher Ronda Gabbord. The unit is called ‘Recorder Karate’ and as a fun collaboration between her and classroom teachers Leslie Anderson, Sara Erwin and Rebecca Tate, they have secretly been rehearsing a flash-mob dance to ‘Kung Fu Fighting’. They performed in front of a shocked audience of students, staff and parents on Friday, June 3rd.

“Those cats were fast as lightning!,” said Erwin. “The kids were so excited to perform and surprise their classmates.”


Class of 91’ Reunion planned for August
- August 12, 13, & 14
- Various activities and events are planned over the three days
- Visit the Class of 91 Reunion website for all the details: www.wallawallabluedevilsclassof91.myevent.com

John Sutlick Memorials to be placed at Green Park and Pioneer
The Special Education Department staff have received donations from the community in remembrance of student John Sutlick who passed away this spring following an illness. Staff have purchased two memorials from Wylie Monuments and two trees to be planted next to the memorials. One of the memorials will be placed at Green Park Elementary and one at Pioneer Middle School. The goal is to have the memorials in place this month.

The trees are Celebration Silver Maple trees. Debbie Bailey, his Pioneer teacher noted that John always had a big smile on his face and had big bright eyes. He absolutely loved school and never wanted to miss a day of school. She also noted that John was loved by all the students. Outside of school, John loved spending time with his dad going to Home Depot. John was 13-years-old.


Walla Walla High School softball team takes state title
Congratulations to the Walla Walla High School softball team for winning the 4A state softball tournament by defeating Marysville-Pilchuck 1-0 in the championship game. The tournament took place on May 26-28 in Spokane. The Blue Devils did not give up a single run in the state tournament. This is the first softball state title in Wa-Hi history and the Blue Devils are the first team in the Big 9 to win a softball state title.

Wednesday night the team and family members organized a barbecue to celebrate the championship and give back to the community for support. Team members offered signed balls and photos for fans. Coach Jerry Humphreys, Assistant Coach Arch McHie and members of the team will bring the state trophy to the district office Tuesday, June 21 to celebrate with the school board.


ORIGO math publication features Walla Walla Public Schools intervention case study
District Math teacher and coach Anne Swant was recently notified WalllaWalla Public Schools is featured in a ORIGO Math publication as part of a case study.

Intervention Case Study Summary: In 2008, Walla Walla in Washington state revamped its curriculum to address changes in state mathematics standards. This case study highlights their success in developing an elementary core program and its effects on student comprehension and MAP test scores. An unexpected result was that the middle schools adopted a similar approach for an intervention program. This program will now be adopted district wide following dramatic improvement of the struggling middle school students. Special thanks to district math coach Anne Swant for helping facilitate this article.


Blue Devil Boys Youth Basketball camps scheduled
The Blue Devil Boys Basketball program will be offering their annual elementary and middle school basketball camps in June. The elementary camp will be June 13 to16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Walla Walla High School gym and open to any boy who will be entering grades 3, 4, or 5 next fall.

The middle school camp will be June 20 to 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Wa-Hi gym and is open to any boy who will be entering grades 6, 7, 8, or 9 next fall. All campers will receive a t-shirt and instruction by the Wa-Hi coaching staff and players. Any player interested in attending either camp can sign up at the door or print off a form on the Wa-Hi website under “Athletics”. For more information contact Head Coach John Golden at Jgolden@wwps.org.


Berney students participate in Fiddle Workshops
This week fourth and fifth grade students at Berney Elementary participated in “Fiddle-Made-Easy”workshops taught by guest musician Kelly Thibodeaux of Oakridge, OR. Students learned the basic fundamentals of playing the fiddle and techniques for performing in front of others.

The program was made possible by district Music Director Roger Garcia. Garcia learned about Thibodeaux and his work shops through his connections on the Walla Walla Symphony board. Thibodeaux has been working with children for 12 years. His use of positive reinforcement and a belief it is easier to learn when you are having fun helped make him a hit with staff and students.

“It’s amazing how much confidence the students gain in themselves through these work shops,” Thibodeaux said. “Music is all around us and it’s important for all students to have an opportunity to experience what it is like to play an instrument.”


Latino Club receives volunteer honors
The Walla Walla High School Latino Club was recently recognized as a “Gold Award” recipient of the “President’s Volunteer Service Award.” This is the second year the Club has received this award. This honor is presented in recognition of the club’s volunteerism of providing over 1600 hours of service to the Walla Walla community. The award is given by the President of the United States to groups and individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment of volunteer service over a 12 month period. This group award is sponsored by the Learning for Life program through a nomination by Exploring Post 311.

Key service projects for the Latino Club included the club’s work prior to the Walla Walla County Fair and Rodeo and providing a pre-school literacy program supported by the Walla Walla United Way, Walla Walla Community College, and the Walla Walla School District during the Garrison Night School program. Besides receiving the group award, five Latino Club members were recognized as individual recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award” for providing significant individual service during the 2009-2010 time period.

The individual Latino Club Awards” went to:
Grasiela Ocampo - Silver Award 175 hours plus
Cristina Sosa - Bronze Award 100 hours plus
Yvonne Segovia - Bronze Award 100 hours plus
Jazmín Llanes - Bronze Award 100 hours plus
Lizbeth Llanes - Bronze Award. 75 hours plus
Latino Club members who provided 25 to 75 hours of service were also recognized as part of the “Club’s Service Team” including: Paola Guzmán, Christopher Esquivel, Cristina Torres, Nalley Facio, Iris Salazar, Alex Gutiérrez, Karina Torres, Brenda Sótelo, Brenda López, Refugio Reyes, Vanessa Alvarado-Rivas, Betzaria Pérez, Diana Erickson, Fabiola, Gutiérrez, Olivia Arévalo, Nadia Chávez, Selina Bahena, Gesner Rangel, Roger Contreras, and Pedro Pérez.


The National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Big Nine spring awards announced
The Columbia Basin Big Nine is proud to announce the spring winners of the NECA/IBEW CBBN Award. The National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are proud to present the 7th annual recognition of these fine scholar athletes from each of the fifteen CBBN schools. These two organizations are training electricians for the future. NECA/IBEW encourage all high school students to explore, with their high school counselors, a career in the Electrical Construction Industry which provides salary levels that are above average and careers that last a lifetime.
On behalf of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers we recognize the following NECA/IBEW CBBN high school students who demonstrate superior balance in academics, athletics and community involvement.
The NECA/IBEW 2011 spring Big Nine Athletes are:

Walla Walla High School
· Kailee Davisson, track and cross country
· Andrew Glaeser, soccer



Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival features free concerts and opportunities for families
Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival runs from now through June 17. There are lots of FREE events, because we believe the arts are for everyone. Enjoy 18 free events over the next two weeks. Below you will find details about three of them. See wwcmf.org for more information about the other 15 free events or the 11 ticketed events, including the festival series concerts at Whitman College in Chism Hall.

This year a family pass has been added to make tickets more affordable: For $40, 2 adults and up to 5 children can come and enjoy world class music. Tickets are still available for Festival Series II, III & IV. You can also get a preview of what we will be playing at the ticketed concerts by coming to any of our free open rehearsals. Here are details on a couple of the free events, geared toward children and families. Again more details about all of the events are available at wwcmf.org or the downtown ticket kiosk next to Starbucks.

One: Rhythms, Rhymes and Rhapsodies
The Musicians of WWCMF will present a fun-filled hour of performances and games that highlight the ways in which music interacts with language. Instruments will include strings, clarinet, flute and harp.
Friday, June 3, 4:30 p.m. — Walla Walla YMCA, 340 South Park St. — Free

Two: What Makes a Great Concert?
Kids, we need your help to tell us what makes a great concert for YOU. Shall we have 50% more silly? More clarinet?
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. — Powerhouse Theater, Sixth & Rose — Free

Three: Family Concert at the Library
This annual performance at the Walla Walla Public Library has become a WWCMF tradition. Musicians will perform a program highlighting the variety of sounds and colors produced by mixed instrumentation. Instruments will include strings, clarinet, flute and harp. Families are encouraged to attend together.
Wednesday, June 15, 6:30 p.m. — Walla Walla Public Library, 238 E. Alder St. — Free


Class of 1982: 30 year reunion planning meeting
- Wednesday, June 15
- 6:30 p.m.
- Mill Creek Brew Pub.
- For more information you can contact Greg Ferrel at ferrelg@hughes.net or Tami (Ebding) Tucker tuckertk@live.com.

Spring Dance Finale 2011 features 100 dancers
- Saturday June 4
- 7:30 p.m.
- Cordiner Hall on Whitman Campus
- Tickets are available at Earthlight Books and at the door
- Cost: Reserved $12, General $10, Students/Seniors $8
- Information: Nancy Wells - nkwwdance@bmi.net or 522-1338

A celebration of SPRING and DANCE in Walla Walla featuring over 100 dancers three-years-old and up performing original choreography in jazz, ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance. The opening section will have a special guest performance by Emily Richardson from The Orlando Ballet Company.

The premiere of “The Fantastic Toyshop” will delight audiences of all ages. Topher Murphy takes the stage as the toymaker with Amanda Galloway, Jason Ilaoa and Lisi Dobson as the children. It is pure magic as puppets, dolls, racecars, teddy bears and more come to life to dance and win the heart of a 5 yr old little girl. The performance ends with a spectacular dance party of awesome 80’s favorites with music that will make you smile and dancers that know how to move! This show is local entertainment at its finest and is one night only!


Walla Walla Public Schools teams with Walla Walla Sweets for start of summer bash!
Join the Walla Walla Sweets and celebrate the start of another summer! With two (2) ticket options, join your friends at the ballpark on Wednesday, June 8, at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $4 or $8 for a dog/soda/ticket combo. Start the summer off right...with the Sweets!

Ticket Information:
Order forms are available at district schools and at the Sweets Shoppe at 109 E. Main St. Suite C in Downtown Walla Walla. Bring in the completed form and payment to the Sweets Shoppe no later than June 6, 2011. Tickets will not be available at the box office at this price, so please make sure to bring it by the Sweets Shoppe.

Game Details:
- Wednesday, June 8
- 7:05 p.m.
- Borlseke Stadium
- Cost: $4 (1 reserved ticket) or $8 (one reserved ticket and a hot dog and soda)


Register for Kids College 2011 Today
Before we know it, Summer Break will be here and Kids College at Walla Walla Community College will kick-off the summer the week of June 13.

Walla Walla Community College provides five afternoons dedicated to youth enrichment for 9, 10, 11 and 12 year-olds. Kids College is dedicated to providing fun yet challenging activities and is held between 1 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

Registration brochures have been delivered to Walla Walla Public Schools. It is time to double-check your child’s backpack to find a neon bright Kids College registration brochure.
You can also register on-line. Find the Kids College webpage on Walla Walla Community College’s website: http://www.wwcc.edu/CMS/index.php?id=3059

Questions? Do not hesitate to call Gretchen Hormel-Tomkins, Kids College Coordinator, at 509-527-4329.


Pioneer and Garrison Middle School 8th grade Recognition Ceremonies
- June 7 - Pioneer 8th Grade Recognition, 7 p.m., Wa-Hi/Large Gym
- June 8 - Garrison 8th Grade Recognition, 7 p.m., Wa-Hi/Large Gym

“BDAD” - Blue Devil Athletic Development program June 28-August 4
- Improve Overall Athletic Ability for All Sports!
- For Boys and Girls Grades 5-12
- June 28 to August 4

Weekly Schedule (Monday - Thursday)
- Session 1: 8:00 - 9 a.m. (for incoming 9th-12th grade students)
- Session 2: 9-10 a.m. (for incoming 5th-8th grade students)
- Session 3: 10-11 a.m. (for incoming 9th-12th grade students)

Instructors: Eric Hisaw & Amy Hisaw

Location - Wa-Hi Weight Rm & Gym
Cost: $30 pre-registered or $35 at door
Note: Students will need a medical release and a parent permission form, which they can get at the Wa-Hi Athletic Office any time or at the door.

Information: Contact Eric Hisaw at 527-3020 or by e-mail at: ehisaw@wwps.org or Amy Hisaw at ahisaw@wwps.org